View Full Version : Wipers & Firewall Forward
I know folks have installed wipers with the FFMetal Firewall Forward without issue, but my question is a little more specific. Has anyone done this on a Mk4 with the wiper kit from Specialty Power Windows? I ask because the transmission boxes seem to be larger than the FFR units. Maybe I'm wrong, but my initial mockup points to minimal clearance.
Additionally, how close must the wiper bezels be to the windshield? I assume it doesn't make too much difference as long as the hood clears the wiper arms.
phileas_fogg
12-12-2025, 01:40 PM
Hi Terry,
I used the F5 wipers (from Vintage Air), so I can't speak to the Specialty Power wipers. But here's a picture of my MK4 with the firewall forward showing the clearance. The spacing is tight, but there's a bit of room to be had if you tuck the motor more to the outboard. And the angle of the motor doesn't matter much either so you can get a little room by playing with that. One thing I wish I'd done is to use nut-serts on the dash rather than through bolts. If I ever have to remove the wiper it's gonna be a two person job!
Also, there's a jig for setting the angle & spacing of the wiper bezels. I've long since lost mine, but I'm sure someone here has a jig you can use.
John
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=187773&d=1690232828
Thansk John - I've actually got the motor mounted and it fits just fine. It's the transmission housings that look like a tight fit, but what isn't under there?
mburger
12-12-2025, 03:18 PM
I'm installing the SPW wiper kit on my Mk4 289 with the firewall forward kit. I also have the AC evaporator box to deal with as well. The right wiper transmission gearbox sits between the body and the evaporator and the only way I could get that piece in, was to lift the body a few inches. This Tuesday, December 16th, I am picking up my Cobra from paint for the final time with Henry. When we dropped off the chassis on our last visit, the 3 of us put the body on the chassis and I hung the wiper transmissions from the holes in the body with masking tape before setting the body fully on the chassis.
I also spun the transmissions so the rack tube was facing the engine. That makes it easier to get to. Without the evaporator it's not too bad. Another thing I did was JB-Weld the nuts onto the transmission plate so that I don't have deal with holding a small wrench on that little nut while under the body.
I'll get you pictures this Tuesday if you think it will help.
EDIT: I also mounted the motor on the front of the passenger foot box.
I'm installing the SPW wiper kit on my Mk4 289 with the firewall forward kit. I also have the AC evaporator box to deal with as well. The right wiper transmission gearbox sits between the body and the evaporator and the only way I could get that piece in, was to lift the body a few inches. This Tuesday, December 16th, I am picking up my Cobra from paint for the final time with Henry. When we dropped off the chassis on our last visit, the 3 of us put the body on the chassis and I hung the wiper transmissions from the holes in the body with masking tape before setting the body fully on the chassis.
I also spun the transmissions so the rack tube was facing the engine. That makes it easier to get to. Without the evaporator it's not too bad. Another thing I did was JB-Weld the nuts onto the transmission plate so that I don't have deal with holding a small wrench on that little nut while under the body.
I'll get you pictures this Tuesday if you think it will help.
EDIT: I also mounted the motor on the front of the passenger foot box.
Thanks Mark, that's very helpful. Do both transmission plates require lifting the body, or just the one above the evap? Pictures would be great if you remember. Good luck with picking up your car!
mburger
12-12-2025, 05:17 PM
If I remember correctly, It's just the right side above the evaporator. Tuesday when we get back with the car, I expect to spend at least the rest of the day on this project.
My Mk1 was extremely tight with the same clearance issues but with imagination and a lot of scraped knuckles and cursing, it's possible. :-)
Here are some mockup pics. Based on the location of the bezel in the second one, you can see how little clearance there is to the firewall. Not much, but enough. It definitely can't be located rearward any
Fortunately I'm doing this before paint and it's easy enough to fill a hole or two if it doesn't work, altough it looks like it will.
222815
222814
mburger
12-13-2025, 05:25 PM
Nice work mocking that up.
I forgot to mention that I notched out my firewall and made a little enclosure to surround the transmission to block any hot air from passing through. On mine, the transmission came too close to the firewall so I had to notch it. Again, pics will follow.
mburger
12-17-2025, 02:23 PM
I didn't forget about you. I've taken some pictures and a little bit later I'll upload them and link them here.
Update... I was able to get everything installed by shortening the shafts. More detail in my build thread (https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?45859-Terry-s-LS-MK4-Build-Wipers&p=598684&viewfull=1#post598684).
mburger
12-19-2025, 01:30 PM
Update... I was able to get everything installed by shortening the shafts. More detail in my build thread (https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?45859-Terry-s-LS-MK4-Build-Wipers&p=598684&viewfull=1#post598684).
I hurt my hand while working on the car right after I sent my post. Had to go to the ER but I am ok.
You have enough shaft left for the wiper knurl? That was a great idea.
I hurt my hand while working on the car right after I sent my post. Had to go to the ER but I am ok.
You have enough shaft left for the wiper knurl? That was a great idea.
Oh man, sorry to hear that. I think my fingers are mostly scar tissue.
Yes, I shortened the inner shaft and the threaded sleeve it sits in by an equal amount (1/4"). I could have cut further, but I wanted to avoid the need to cut the plastic spacer that the threaded sleeve sits in, if that makes sense.
mburger
12-19-2025, 02:40 PM
Oh man, sorry to hear that. I think my fingers are mostly scar tissue.
Yes, I shortened the inner shaft and the threaded sleeve it sits in by an equal amount (1/4"). I could have cut further, but I wanted to avoid the need to cut the plastic spacer that the threaded sleeve sits in, if that makes sense.
Not only does that make sense, but I may also even have enough shaft left to trim mine down a bit to avoid having to lift the body up to get them in and out.
Having said that, I'm not going to lift the body again to find out. lol
mburger
12-19-2025, 02:58 PM
OK even though you are done with your transmission mounts, here are the pics of the tight fit of my 289 with the AC evaporator and firewall forward option.
I hadn't tightened up the transmissions yet.
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=223091&d=1766173660
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=223090&d=1766173646
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=223089&d=1766173615
It may be difficult to see, but in the picture below, you can see where I had to notch out the firewall and box it in. Along the top we added the bulb seal, so the top of the firewall looks kinda like this: __|--|__
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=223088&d=1766173577
Thanks Mark - that's definitely a tight fit with all that you've got going on in there! Nice work!